Cathay Pacific

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 939 – Hong Kong to Manila – A Rowdy Crew on the Final Daily Manila Run [February 2025]

After spending a week in Tokyo, it was time to head home. Just like my flight to Japan, I flew with Cathay Pacific on the way back to Manila, with a layover in Hong Kong. In my previous flight report, I talked about the excellent regional economy service on flight CX549 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong.

Today, I will be sharing my experience on the connecting leg—Cathay Pacific flight CX939 from Hong Kong to Manila. Read on to find out how a rowdy cabin crew disrupted my sleep and spoiled the last few minutes of this final daily flight to Manila.

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, commonly known as Cathay Pacific, is Hong Kong’s flag carrier. According to the airline’s website, two ex-Air Force pilots founded the airline in Hong Kong in 1946. Five years later, the airline acquired its rival Hong Kong Airways and gained additional routes to Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. Since then, the airline has expanded to more routes in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. It has emerged as one of the world’s leading airlines and lifestyle brands, connecting the world through Hong Kong.

Today, Cathay Pacific is primarily owned by Swire Group, a diversified Hong Kong-based corporation, Qatar Airways, and Air China. The airline flies to over 80 international destinations using close to 180 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with 60 more in order. It also has airline subsidiaries, namely Cathay Pacific Cargo, Air Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Express, the region’s budget airline. Cathay Pacific is based and headquartered in Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

In case you missed it, I post reviews & features of my flights since June 2019. I’ve covered airlines such as EVA Air, Indonesia Air Asia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Air. All posts about these flights are found under the Flight Reports category.

Airfare & Inclusions

About four weeks before my planned departure, I managed to score a round-trip ticket to Tokyo Haneda for just USD 235.20. I am not exactly sure what that amounts to in Philippine pesos, as my relatives took care of the payment. The fare covered all four segments: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong to Manila (the flight I am reviewing here).

The ticket was under Economy Light, which included a 7 kg carry-on allowance, 23 kg of checked baggage, complimentary inflight meals, personal entertainment screens, and consistently excellent service on all flights.

Considering I booked just four weeks before the trip—and with a reputable airline like Cathay Pacific—I would say it was a really good deal.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Philippine passport holders only need to present a valid passport and their eTravel QR code when entering the country. Non-Philippine passport holders may be asked to show additional documents, such as a valid visa or proof of onward travel. Entry requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities for the latest information before your trip.

Before The Flight

Two days before my flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong, I received an email from Cathay Pacific letting me know that I could now check in online for both the Hong Kong and Manila flights. The email also included details about inflight entertainment, magazines, and newspapers available during the journey.

I selected my seats for both flights (free of charge) and completed the online check-in. However, instead of receiving a digital boarding pass, I was instructed to pick it up at the airport when dropping off my baggage. On the day of the flight, Cathay sent one final email with all the key details—such as which terminal to go to, flight departure time, check-in counters, boarding time, and the departure gate.

Aircraft & Flight Information

This Hong Kong to Manila flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by an Airbus A330-343X, which was 21.2 years old at the time of the flight. The aircraft, registered as B-HLW, was delivered to the airline in December 2003. It is configured with 39 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout and 223 standard economy seats in a 2-4-2 arrangement.

Flight CX939 departed from Hong Kong International Airport at 10:30 p.m. and arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:16 a.m. There is no time difference between Hong Kong and Manila. The total flight time was 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TRANSIT EXPERIENCE

After arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, I made my way to the transfer area, went through a quick security check, and headed up to the pre-departure zone. Our flight to Manila was assigned to Gate 66, so I went straight there.

The whole transit process, including the short lines at security, took less than 20 minutes.

PRE-DEPARTURE

I waited near Gate 66 until the boarding call. I did not visit any lounge or grab a bite to eat, as I was still full from the meal on my flight from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong.

BOARDING

The ground crew started pre-boarding announcements at 9:30 p.m. Priority boarding began at 9:35 p.m., starting with business class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy passengers boarded by groups, based on their seat assignments. All boarding was done through Hong Kong International Airport’s facial recognition system.

The process took a while because the flight waited for connecting passengers arriving from Auckland, New Zealand. By 10:13 p.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing boarding in 38 minutes. The plane pushed back at 10:19 p.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

This Hong Kong to Manila flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 21.2-year-old Airbus A330-343X (at the time of the flight). The aircraft features 39 lie-flat business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, and 223 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration.

The business class follows a reverse herringbone design, with every seat offering direct aisle access. According to SeatGuru, each business class seat has a pitch of 45 inches and a width of 21 inches. Amenities include large entertainment screens, a spacious footwell, a console with remote and seat controls, noise-canceling headphones, and a power outlet.

Economy class seats are arranged 2-4-2. Each seat has a pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.2 inches. They come with thick seatback padding, adjustable headrests, a touchscreen personal entertainment system with a USB port, a foldable tray table with a cup holder, a coat hook, a seat pocket containing the safety card and magazine, and a small storage space under the screen. While there are no personal air vents, each seat has an individual reading light and a cabin crew call button. Passengers receive headphones, but pillows are not provided; blankets are available upon request.

I was seated in aisle seat 44G, located in the forward middle section of economy. The thick seatback padding helped compensate for the lack of a pillow on this short flight to Manila. Overall, the seat remained comfortable despite the missing amenity.

INFLIGHT MEAL SERVICE

Cathay Pacific serves inflight meals on all their flights, and even though this flight was less than two hours, a hot meal was provided. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin crew served dinner, which had only one option—char siu chicken rice with steamed vegetables. The meal came on a small tray, accompanied by a bottle of water and metal cutlery.

Once the meal service was finished, the crew quickly collected the used trays. The entire meal and clean-up process was completed within 30 minutes of reaching cruising altitude.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s entertainment system on the Airbus A330 offers a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music. While the choices are not as extensive as those on their Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft, the lineup is suitable for short-haul flights like this one to Manila. The system also includes a moving inflight map that shows the aircraft’s exact location and flight details.

I did notice that some TV shows had incomplete episodes. Additionally, the inflight map on the screen at seat 44G did not work for the entire flight. With no other option, I turned off the screen and tried to get some sleep.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid Wi-Fi on this flight to Manila. First Class passengers, Business Class passengers, and Diamond members receive complimentary access, while all other passengers must pay to use the service. The lowest option is a messaging pass with 30 MB of data for USD 3.95. One hour of access costs USD 9.95, and a full-flight pass is available for USD 12.95.

I chose not to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was just under two hours. Although the airline’s rates are comparable to industry standards, I did not find it necessary or worth the cost for such a short flight.

LAVATORY

A few moments before landing, I visited one of the lavatories in the middle section and found it to be spotless. It was stocked with tissue rolls, liquid hand soap, and small bottles of hand sanitizer and moisturizer.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was a major downside for me. While they greeted passengers during boarding and made sure everyone followed safety protocols, the dinner service felt rushed. Everything happened so quickly that I had to hurry to finish my meal.

What bothered me even more was what happened just before landing. The cabin crew member assigned to our section was quite rowdy while waking up the child sitting next to me. He kept shouting, “Boy, boy, wake up!” loud enough to wake me from my own sleep. He did not say “excuse me” or apologize for disturbing anyone. I am sure this was a one-time incident, but I still feel it was not handled properly.

Disembarkation

The aircraft touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:16 a.m. and taxied to Terminal 3 for disembarkation. Passengers exited by section—business class first, followed by those in the forward economy cabin, and finally, those seated in the rear economy section.

Immigration was quick, and the baggage arrived about 20 minutes after touchdown. The whole process went smoothly, likely because the terminal was not busy at that hour.

Flight Experience

It was a good final leg with Cathay Pacific on their Airbus A330. What really stood out was the price—we paid just USD 235.20 for a four-leg journey, with layovers in Hong Kong both ways. That fare included 23 kg of checked baggage, inflight meals, and entertainment on all flights. Flying a world-class airline at that price? That is definitely a steal!

The whole transit experience in Hong Kong was smooth and efficient. Getting through security and heading to the gate was quick, and the facial recognition boarding system made getting on the plane hassle-free.

Onboard, I appreciated the hot meal served despite the flight being less than two hours. The seats were comfortable with thick padding, and the lavatory was spotless and well-stocked, which always adds to the comfort during the flight.

Of course, there were a few downsides. The lack of pillows and personal air vents made resting a bit less comfortable. The inflight entertainment had some issues too—the moving map did not work, and some TV episodes were incomplete. The biggest drawback was the rowdy behavior of the cabin crew near the end of the flight, which disturbed my rest and that of a nearby child.

Despite these minor issues, I would still happily fly Cathay Pacific again, especially on their long-haul routes and aboard their newer A350 aircraft. Their overall service and value make them a reliable choice for future travels.

Here is a summary of this flight from Manila to Hong Kong onboard Cathay Pacific:

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 19 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 939
Route: Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG) to Manila, Philippines (MNL)
Duration: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 44G
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343X
Aircraft Registration: B-HLW
Engines: 2 x RR Trent 772B-60
Age: 21.2-years-old
Delivered: December 2003

That wraps up my review of Cathay Pacific Flight CX 939 from Hong Kong to Manila. Have you flown with Cathay Pacific before? I’d love to hear about your experience! If you’re thinking of booking a flight with them or have any questions about the airline or this route, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I’m always happy to chat and help however I can!

I hope you will check out my previous flight reports with Singapore Airlines, as well as other airlines like Emirates, EVA Air, Qantas, Air France, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines. I also hope you look forward to more flight reports in the future.

Before you go, I’d really appreciate it if you could like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This helps expand my reach and keeps you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, Hostel of the Day features, and flight reports on the website. Thanks again, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 549 – Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong – Excellent Regional Economy Class Service Out of Japan [February 2025]

Last February, I flew to Tokyo, Japan for a week-long break from my busy work schedule. I traveled with my relatives and spent time with my cousins visiting theme parks and other kid-friendly attractions. We flew with Cathay Pacific to Tokyo Haneda from Manila, transiting through Hong Kong.

Over the past few weeks, I have shared my experiences on our Cathay Pacific flights — CX930 from Manila to Hong Kong and CX542 from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda. If you have not seen those posts yet, I hope you will check them out.

Today, I will be sharing the first of our two return flights to Manila: Cathay Pacific flight CX549 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong. Let me take you through this excellent regional service between Japan and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

Airfare & Inclusions

I booked the ticket four weeks before the intended flight and got it for only USD 235.20 roundtrip. I’m not exactly sure how much that was in Philippine pesos, as my relatives paid for it. The fare covered all four segments of the trip: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong (this flight), and Hong Kong to Manila.

This Economy Light fare included a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance, 23 kilograms of checked baggage, in-flight meals, personal entertainment screens, and excellent onboard service across all legs of the journey.

Considering it was booked just four weeks in advance, this was definitely a great deal—especially with a quality airline like Cathay Pacific.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Passengers connecting through Hong Kong International Airport only need their onward boarding passes upon arrival. However, those who plan to clear immigration and visit the city must comply with the territory’s border requirements. Philippine passport holders are allowed to enter Hong Kong for tourism or business without a visa for up to 14 days.

Since my onward destination was the Philippines, I needed to follow the country’s entry protocols for arriving passengers. Philippine passport holders are only required to present a valid passport and an eTravel QR code upon arrival. Non-Philippine passport holders, on the other hand, may need to present additional documents such as a valid visa or an onward departure ticket. These requirements can vary by nationality, so it’s always best to consult the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date entry information.

Before The Flight

Forty-eight hours before the flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific sent an email notifying passengers that online check-in was now available for both the Hong Kong and Manila segments. The message also included information about the in-flight entertainment system, as well as details about onboard magazines and newspapers.

I selected my seats for both flights (free of charge) and completed the online check-in process. However, I did not receive a digital boarding pass and was instructed to collect it at the airport during bag drop. On the day of departure, the airline sent a final reminder email with key details, including the departure terminal, flight time, designated check-in counters, boarding time, and assigned gate.

Aircraft & Flight Information

The Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 10-year-old Boeing 777-367(ER) aircraft (as of the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in March 2015, the aircraft is registered as B-KQW. It features 6 lie-flat First Class seats in a 1-1-1 layout, 53 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 34 angle-flat Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 arrangement, and 201 standard Economy Class seats in a 3-4-3 layout.

Flight CX549 departed from Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 4:09 p.m., cruised at an altitude of 38,000 feet, and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 7:40 p.m. local time. There is a one-hour time difference between Tokyo and Hong Kong, and the total flight duration was 4 hours and 31 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

Cathay Pacific operates out of Terminal 3 at Tokyo Haneda International Airport.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

I arrived at the airport just before 1:00 p.m., printed my boarding pass and luggage tag at the check-in kiosks, and lined up for bag drop even before the counters opened. Cathay Pacific’s check-in counters at Tokyo Haneda International Airport open exactly three hours before departure. The counters are organized by class and frequent flyer status—Economy and Premium Economy bag drop, Business Class and Oneworld status holders, and First Class.

For this flight, the check-in counters opened right on time at 1:00 p.m. I finished queuing by 1:12 p.m. and completed the bag drop process at 1:13 p.m. The staff member at the counter was friendly and greeted me with a warm smile.

PRE-DEPARTURE

After check-in, I cleared security and immigration and headed straight to the SkyHub Lounge. My RCBC JCB Platinum credit card granted me complimentary access. The lounge featured cozy seating areas, beautiful views of the tarmac, and a wide selection of drinks. However, it did not offer any food or snack options.

After spending an hour working in the lounge, I stopped by the duty-free store and bought Royce chocolates along with other Japanese staples before making my way to our assigned boarding gate.

BOARDING

Our assigned boarding gate for this flight was Gate 142, the farthest gate on the left side of the terminal.

Priority boarding began at 3:20 p.m., starting with First Class passengers, Business Class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy Class passengers boarded in groups according to their assigned seats.

By 3:46 p.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing the entire boarding process in just 26 minutes. The plane pushed back at 3:50 p.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

The Boeing 777-367(ER) used on this Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong flight has 294 seats spread across four cabin classes.

According to our friends at SeatGuru, the six lie-flat First Class seats offer a pitch of 81 inches and a width of 36 inches. The 53 lie-flat Business Class seats feature a pitch of 81 inches and a width of 21 inches. All First and Business Class seats come with large personal entertainment screens, pillows and blankets, a side console, noise-canceling headphones, and aisle access for every passenger.

The 53 Premium Economy seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, provide a seat pitch of 38 inches and a width of 19.5 inches. These recliner seats include larger-than-average personal entertainment screens and footrests.

The 201 regular Economy seats are arranged in a 3-4-3 layout, each offering 32 inches of seat pitch and 17 inches of width. Economy seats are equipped with thick seatback padding, adjustable headrests, touchscreen personal entertainment systems with USB ports, foldable tray tables with built-in cup holders, coat hooks, seat pockets containing the aircraft safety card and in-flight magazine, and small stowage shelves beneath the screens. While individual air vents are not available, each seat features a personal reading light and a cabin crew call button. Headphones are provided, and blankets are available upon request.

I selected window seat 66K in the rear Economy section during online check-in. I intentionally chose this seat to have a chance to see Mount Fuji on the flight back to Hong Kong—and I did. The seat’s thick padding and adjustable headrest made it comfortable, and the legroom was decent—perfect for a short-haul flight like this. Blankets were provided by the crew to those who wanted them.

INFLIGHT MEAL SERVICE

Cathay Pacific serves in-flight meals on all its flights. After reaching cruising altitude, the cabin crew went around distributing peanuts and drinks to all passengers. I opted for a glass of apple juice to go with the peanuts. The flight encountered several periods of turbulence, which caused the snack and meal service to be temporarily suspended a few times.

About three hours before landing, the crew began the dinner service. Special meals were served first, followed by the regular options. There were two meal choices: baked fish with Japanese rice and penne pasta with mushroom sauce. Each meal came with a smoked ham salad, a bread roll with butter, fresh fruit, and a small cup of Häagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream. The tray also included metal cutlery, a napkin, a moist towelette, and a second drink of choice. The crew later followed up with a second drink service, offering coffee, tea, or water.

I chose the fish with rice option, pairing it with apple juice and water. While I am not usually a fan of fish in airplane meals, I found this dish quite tasty. I also enjoyed how the smoked ham salad complemented the main course. Cathay Pacific never fails to be consistent with its branding by serving Häagen-Dazs ice cream on their flights.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s touchscreen entertainment system on their Boeing 777 aircraft offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. It has noticeably more content than the system found on their Airbus A330 aircraft. One standout feature is the interactive inflight map, which displays the aircraft’s real-time location throughout the journey. It also includes a nose camera that passengers can view during the flight.

I finished watching Oppenheimer—which I had not been able to complete on our HKG-HND flight—during this journey back to Hong Kong. Aside from that, I kept the inflight map open most of the time. About an hour before touchdown, the entertainment system also displayed all connection information on the screens.

Cathay Pacific’s personal entertainment screens on the Boeing 777 are a decent size. They are fast, responsive, and easy to navigate. While the earphones provided may not be the best quality, they do the job well enough.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid wireless connectivity on this flight to Hong Kong. First Class passengers, Business Class passengers, and Diamond members receive complimentary access, while all other passengers must pay to use the service. The lowest tier is a messaging pass with 30 MB of data, priced at USD 3.95. One hour of access costs USD 9.95, and a full-flight pass is available for USD 12.95.

I chose not to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was just over four hours. While the airline’s rates are in line with industry standards, I did not find it necessary or worth the cost for a short-haul flight like this.

LAVATORY

I did not visit the lavatory during the flight to Hong Kong, as the passenger seated in the middle seat was asleep for the entire duration of the journey.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew assigned to our area were warm and pleasantly chatty. They served meals with genuine smiles and attended to passengers’ needs in the friendliest way possible. Throughout the flight, they also made sure everyone followed the protocols from boarding to disembarkation.

Disembarkation

The plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 7:40 p.m. local time and taxied to Gate 69 for disembarkation. Passengers exited the aircraft by section—First Class and Business Class passengers disembarked first, followed by those in the forward Economy section, and finally, passengers seated in the rear Economy cabin.

I exited the plane and proceeded to the transfer area, cleared security, and walked straight to the assigned gate for my onward flight to Manila, Philippines.

Flight Experience

It was another excellent regional service with Cathay Pacific from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong. What stood out most was the fare—we paid only USD 235.20 for a four-sector trip with layovers in Hong Kong both ways. The ticket included 23 kilograms of checked luggage, in-flight meals, and entertainment on all flights. Talk about flying a world-class airline for such a low fare!

Cathay Pacific ensured all passengers were well-informed with timely emails and mobile app notifications about online check-in availability, assigned check-in counters, and boarding gates at Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Although I waited in line for just over 10 minutes, the bag drop process at the counter took less than a minute. The ground staff showed the same efficiency during boarding, completing the process for a fully booked Boeing 777-300ER in under 30 minutes.

The inflight experience on this Cathay Pacific flight truly felt world-class. From the thick seatback padding and spacious legroom to the extensive entertainment options, tasty fish main course complemented by smoked ham salad and Häagen-Dazs ice cream—the airline ensured passengers enjoyed every moment. The friendly cabin crew assigned to our section also made the flight more pleasant.

That said, the flight was not without minor drawbacks. The aircraft lacked individual air vents in Economy Class—a personal preference of mine—and pillows were not provided on this 4.5-hour flight. The cabin temperature also remained warm from boarding until we reached cruising altitude.

Nevertheless, it was still a great flight with Cathay Pacific. I will keep them in mind for future travels, especially when similar great deals come up. I am also excited to eventually try their Airbus A350s, Premium Economy, and hopefully Business Class as well.

Here is a summary of this flight from Manila to Hong Kong onboard Cathay Pacific:

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 19 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 549
Route: Tokyo-Haneda, Japan (HND) to Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG)
Duration: 4 hours and 31 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 66K
Aircraft: Boeing 777-363(ER)
Aircraft Registration: B-KQW
Engines: 2 x GE GE90-115BL2
Age: 10-years-old
Delivered: March 2015

That’s a wrap on my flight review of Cathay Pacific Flight CX549 from Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong. Have you flown with Cathay Pacific before? I would love to hear about your experiences! If you are considering booking a flight with them for your next trip, or if you have any questions about the airline or this route, please leave a comment below or get in touch via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am always happy to chat and help!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 542 – Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda – First Time via HKIA & Into Haneda Airport [February 2025]

A few months ago, I took a week-long break from my busy work schedule and flew to Tokyo, Japan. About four months before my trip, I came across an affordable round-trip fare on Cathay Pacific from Manila, Philippines to Tokyo, Japan, with a layover in Hong Kong. My aunt encouraged me to book the tickets, and just a few hours later, we began planning our spontaneous Tokyo getaway.

My relatives and I flew to Tokyo-Haneda with Cathay Pacific, connecting through Hong Kong. In my last flight report, I shared the experience onboard CX930 from Manila to Hong Kong. Today, I will be talking about the connecting flight CX 542 from Hong Kong to Tokyo-Haneda, covering everything from our arrival at Hong Kong International Airport to our late-night landing in Tokyo. Read on to find out how my first transit experience at HKIA and arrival at Haneda Airport went.

In case you missed it, I also flew with Cathay Pacific in December 2023 on both legs of the Manila to Hong Kong route. I wrote flight reports for both sectors, which you can check out: CX 912 from Manila to Hong Kong and CX 901 from Hong Kong to Manila.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

Airfare & Inclusions

I booked my ticket just four weeks before the intended departure date, and the round-trip fare was only USD 235.20. I am not sure of the exact amount in Philippine pesos, as my relatives covered the payment. The fare included all four flight segments: Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda (this flight), Tokyo Haneda back to Hong Kong, and finally, Hong Kong to Manila.

This Economy Light fare came with a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance, 23 kilograms of checked baggage, inflight meals, personal entertainment screens, and excellent onboard service on all legs of the journey.

Considering it was a last-minute booking with Cathay Pacific—a top-tier full-service airline known for its award-winning economy class—this ticket was an exceptional deal.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Philippine passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Japan for leisure purposes. Those planning to visit Japan as tourists must apply for a visa through the embassy’s official application center, VFS Global Philippines, Inc., which operates in five locations: Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

In addition, the Japanese government requires all incoming passengers to complete immigration and customs procedures via the Visit Japan website. Upon arrival, passengers must present their issued QR codes at immigration and customs for scanning. These QR codes can be obtained up to two weeks before the intended arrival date.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government requires all departing passengers to complete an online departure form and generate a departure QR code through the eTravel website.

Before The Flight

One week before the flight, Cathay Pacific sent an email advising passengers to prepare for their upcoming journey. The airline reminded travelers to review their baggage allowance and ensure their contact details were correct and up to date. They also offered optional services such as paid preferred seating, business class upgrades, and travel insurance.

Two days before the flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific sent another email informing passengers that online check-in was now available for both the Hong Kong and Tokyo Haneda segments. The message also included information about the inflight entertainment system, along with details about onboard magazines and newspapers.

I selected a seat (free of charge) for both flights and completed the online check-in process. However, I did not receive a digital boarding pass and was instructed to collect it at the airport during bag drop. On the day of departure, the airline sent a final email with key details, including the departure terminal, flight time, designated check-in counters, boarding time, and assigned gate.

After arriving in Hong Kong, I received an email notifying me that the onward flight to Tokyo Haneda had been delayed by 20 minutes. The airline’s mobile app also reflected the updated schedule. Props to Cathay Pacific for keeping passengers informed, even for a minor change in flight time.

Aircraft & Flight Information

The Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 21.2-year-old Boeing 777-367 aircraft (as of the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in November 2003, the aircraft is registered as B-HNN. It features 42 angle-flat business class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 396 standard economy class seats arranged in a 3-4-3 layout.

Flight CX 542 departed from Hong Kong International Airport at 5:10 p.m., cruised at an altitude of 35,000 feet, and arrived at Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 9:23 p.m. local time. There is a one-hour time difference between Hong Kong and Tokyo. The total flight duration was 3 hours and 13 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TRANSIT EXPERIENCE

Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, my companions and I proceeded to the transfer gates, went through a security check, and headed up to the pre-departure area. We walked directly to Gate 32, which was assigned for our flight to Tokyo Haneda.

The entire transit process took less than 15 minutes, including the brief queues at transfer security. Coincidentally, our assigned boarding gate was right next to the one where we had disembarked from our flight from Manila.

PRE-DEPARTURE

My relatives and I stayed near Gate 32 as we waited for the boarding announcement. We didn’t visit any lounge or get food, as we were still full from the inflight meal served on the previous leg of our journey.

BOARDING

The ground crew began making pre-boarding announcements at 4:05 p.m. Prior to that, staff walked around the gate area to check passengers’ passports and boarding passes. They later informed passengers to keep their passports, as only the boarding pass would be required during boarding. Boarding gates at Hong Kong International Airport are equipped with electronic scanners and facial recognition systems.

Priority boarding began at 4:15 p.m., starting with business class passengers, elite status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy class passengers boarded by groups, based on their assigned seats.

By 4:45 p.m., the cabin crew had closed the aircraft doors, completing the entire boarding process in just 30 minutes. The plane pushed back at 4:51 p.m. and began taxiing to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

The Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 21.2-year-old Boeing 777-367 aircraft (at the time of the flight). The aircraft features 42 angle-flat business class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 396 standard economy class seats in a 3-4-3 layout.

According to SeatGuru, each recliner-style business class seat offers a pitch of 45 inches and a width of 21 inches. The seats come with large entertainment screens, a spacious footwell, a side console with remote and seat controls, noise-canceling headphones, and a power outlet.

The economy cabin follows the 3-4-3 layout. Each seat, according to SeatGuru, has a pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.2 inches. Economy class seats are equipped with thick seatback padding, an adjustable headrest, a touchscreen personal entertainment system with a USB port, a foldable tray table with a built-in cup holder, a coat hook, a seat pocket containing the aircraft safety card and an in-flight magazine, and a small stowage shelf beneath the screen. While there are no individual air vents, each seat has a personal reading light and a cabin crew call button. Headphones are provided, and blankets are available upon request.

I selected seat 40A, a window seat in the forward economy section. It offered a great view of the engine during takeoff. Although the seat initially lacked a pillow and blanket, these were eventually distributed before departure. The thick seatback padding made the seat quite comfortable, and with the middle seat unoccupied, both my seatmate in 40C and I had extra space to stretch out. Legroom was generous, and overall, the seat was very comfortable for the 3-hour flight to Japan.

INFLIGHT MEAL

Cathay Pacific serves inflight meals on all its flights. About 30 minutes after takeoff, the cabin crew began the refreshments service, handing out a pack of peanuts and a drink of choice. I opted for a glass of apple juice with the peanuts.

Shortly after the refreshments, the crew distributed the dinner trays. There were two meal options: seafood curry rice and pork with potatoes. Each meal came with a serving of udon, a bread roll with butter, fresh fruit, and a small cup of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. The tray also included metal cutlery, a napkin, a moist towelette, and another drink of choice. The crew followed up with a second drink service, offering coffee, tea, or water.

I chose the pork with potatoes and paired it with orange juice and water. The portion size was just right. While I did not particularly enjoy the pork dish, I found the udon starter to be refreshing—the cold noodle sauce made it a perfect appetizer. The Häagen-Dazs ice cream was also a highlight and made for a satisfying dessert.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s touchscreen entertainment system on their Boeing 777 aircraft offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. It had noticeably more content than the system found on their Airbus A330 aircraft. One standout feature is the interactive inflight map, which displays the aircraft’s real-time location throughout the journey.

I usually just keep the inflight map on for most of the flight, but this time I took the opportunity to watch Oppenheimer on the way to Tokyo Haneda. The entertainment screen was a good size and responsive to touch, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid wireless connectivity on this flight to Tokyo Haneda. First class passengers, business class passengers, and Diamond members receive complimentary access, while all other passengers must pay to use the service. The lowest tier is a messaging pass with 30 MB of data, priced at USD 3.95. One hour of access costs USD 9.95, and a full-flight pass is available for USD 12.95.

I chose not to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was under four hours. While the airline’s rates are in line with industry standards, I did not find it necessary or worth the cost for a short-haul flight like this.

LAVATORY

I did not visit the lavatory during the flight to Tokyo Haneda, as the passenger seated in the aisle seat was asleep for the entire duration of the flight.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was just right. There were no particularly memorable moments, but the crew performed their duties professionally and ensured that passengers had a comfortable and smooth journey.

Disembarkation

The plane landed at Tokyo Haneda International Airport at 9:22 p.m. local time and taxied to Gate 147 for disembarkation. Passengers exited the aircraft by section—business class first, followed by those in the forward economy section, and finally, passengers seated in the rear economy cabin.

The entire arrival process, including disembarkation, immigration, baggage claim, and customs inspection, took about an hour. That was reasonable, given how busy Haneda Airport was that evening.

Flight Experience

Overall, my Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda was a smooth and enjoyable experience. The fare was one of the standout aspects—an exceptionally affordable price of USD 235 for a last-minute, full-service flight.

Pre-flight communications were efficient and timely, with several updates sent out, including online check-in notifications, gate details, and reminders about baggage allowance. These proactive communications helped ensure a seamless travel experience right from the start.

The transfer at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was impressively easy and hassle-free. We were able to complete the transfer process in less than 15 minutes, including a quick security check, and head straight to our assigned gate. This smooth connection was a big plus and reflected the efficiency of both Cathay Pacific and HKIA.

Despite flying on an older Boeing 777-367 aircraft, the cabin was in great condition. The spacious legroom in economy class made the flight much more comfortable, and the entertainment options were excellent.

Cathay’s inflight entertainment system offered a broad selection of movies, TV shows, and music, which was notably better than the system found on their Airbus A330. The meal service also impressed, with a hot meal, dessert, and multiple drink rounds—all adding to the positive experience.

On the downside, there were no pillows on the seats when boarding, which was a small inconvenience. Blankets were eventually distributed, but having both items available from the start would have added to overall comfort. However, this was a minor issue compared to the overall quality of the flight.

Once again, it was a delightful experience flying with Cathay Pacific. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for future travel, especially when similar great deals come up. I’m also excited to eventually try their Airbus A350s, premium economy, and hopefully their business class as well.

Here is a summary of this quick hop from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda onboard Cathay Pacific:

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 13 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 542
Route: Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG) to Tokyo-Haneda, Japan (HND)
Duration: 3 hours and 13 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 40A
Aircraft: Boeing 777-363
Aircraft Registration: B-HNN
Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce Trent 892
Age: 21.2-years-old
Delivered: November 2003

This wraps up my recent flight review of Cathay Pacific Flight CX542 from Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda. Have you ever flown with Cathay Pacific? I’d love to hear about your experience! Are you planning to book a flight with them for your upcoming travels? If you have any questions about the airline or want to learn more about this route, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond!

Before you go, please consider liking, following, and sharing my social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. This will help increase my reach and keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, and flight reports on this website. Thank you, and I will see you in the next flight report!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 930 – Manila to Hong Kong – A Perfectly Timed Quick Hop to Asia’s World City [February 2025]

In February 2025, I flew to Tokyo, Japan, for a last-minute, week-long break from my busy work schedule. Four weeks before my departure, I happened to come across affordable return flights on Cathay Pacific from Manila to Tokyo Haneda via Hong Kong. I shared this with my aunt, and without hesitation, I was tasked with booking the tickets. In less than four weeks, my aunt and I planned the entire trip, and the Tokyo adventure was set.

We flew with Cathay Pacific from Manila to Tokyo Haneda, with a quick stopover in Hong Kong. This flight report will focus on the first leg of the journey – the Manila to Hong Kong segment on flight CX 930. Read on to find out how my experience with Cathay Pacific went, and why I consider this flight perfectly timed.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

Airfare & Inclusions

I booked the ticket just four weeks before the intended flight date, and it cost me only USD 235.20 for a round-trip. I am not sure exactly how much that was in Philippine pesos because my relatives paid for it. This price covered all four flights: Manila to Hong Kong (this flight), Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Haneda to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong to Manila.

The economy light fare also included a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance, 23 kilograms of checked luggage, inflight meals, personal entertainment screens, and world-class onboard service on all four flights.

This Cathay Pacific ticket was an absolute bargain, especially considering it was booked just four weeks before the flight dates, and I was flying with one of the world’s top full-service airlines, offering its award-winning economy class product.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Travel Requirements

Regular Philippine passport holders can enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region without a visa for up to 14 days. Anyone staying beyond the visa-free period must apply for a visa to enter Hong Kong.

In my case, since my final destination was Tokyo, Japan, I had to comply with Japan’s entry requirements. Regular Philippine passport holders are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Japan for leisure purposes. The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines recently opened the Japan Visa Assistance Center (JVAC), operated by VFS Philippines, Inc. All Japan visa applications are now processed through this center.

Additionally, the Japanese government mandates that all incoming passengers complete immigration and customs arrival procedures via the Visit Japan website. Upon arrival, all passengers must present their issued QR codes at immigration and customs for scanning. Tourists can obtain their QR codes up to two weeks before their intended arrival date.

Locally, the Philippine government requires all departing passengers to fill out online departure forms and obtain a departure QR code from the eTravel website.

Before The Flight

One week before the flight, Cathay Pacific sent an email advising passengers to prepare for their upcoming journey. The airline reminded passengers to review their baggage allowance and confirm that their contact details were correct and up to date. They also offered additional services, such as paid preferred seats, business class upgrades, and travel insurance.

Two days before the flight to Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific sent another email notifying passengers that online check-in was now available for both flights to Hong Kong and Tokyo Haneda. The email also included information about the inflight entertainment system, as well as magazines and newspapers available onboard.

I selected a seat (for free) on both flights and checked in online. However, I did not receive a digital boarding pass and was advised to collect it at the airport during bag drop. On the day of the flight, the airline sent a final email with details about the departure terminal, flight time, assigned check-in counters, boarding time, and the designated boarding gate.

Aircraft & Flight Information

The Manila to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 13-year-old Airbus A330-343X aircraft (at the time of the flight). Delivered to the airline in February 2012, the plane is registered as B-LAN. It features 39 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 223 standard economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

Flight CX 930 took off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 12:56 p.m. and landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 2:39 p.m. There is no time difference between Manila and Hong Kong, and the flight duration was 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Airport & Ground Experience

Cathay Pacific operates from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

Cathay Pacific occupies one side of Counter E for check-in and bag drop, with dedicated counters for business class passengers, those requiring assistance, and passengers traveling in groups.

I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 8:45 a.m. and immediately lined up to pay the travel tax. I started queuing for check-in at 9:01 a.m. and finished around 9:15 a.m. The ground staff was efficient and friendly.

PRE-DEPARTURE

After check-in, I met up with my relatives, and we all went through immigration and the final security check before spending the rest of the pre-boarding time at A Lounge. I used my Security Bank credit card to access the lounge.

BOARDING

We left the lounge around 11:45 a.m. and walked to our assigned gate – Gate 107. Priority boarding began at 12:00 noon, starting with business class passengers, airline status holders, and those traveling with infants. Economy class passengers boarded according to their assigned seats and boarding groups.

At 12:34 p.m., the cabin crew closed the airplane doors, and the entire boarding process was completed in 34 minutes. The plane pushed back at 12:39 p.m. and made its way to the runway for takeoff.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

The Manila to Hong Kong flight on Cathay Pacific was operated by a 13-year-old Airbus A330-343X aircraft (at the time of the flight). It features 39 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and 223 standard economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout.

The business class section follows a reverse herringbone configuration, with each seat offering aisle access. According to SeatGuru, each business class seat has a pitch of 45 inches and a width of 21 inches. The seats also feature large entertainment screens, a generous footwell, a console with remote and seat controls, noise-canceling headphones, and a power outlet.

The economy class section follows the 2-4-2 seating layout. According to SeatGuru, each economy seat has a pitch of 32 inches and a width of 18.2 inches. Economy class seats are equipped with thick seatback padding, an adjustable headrest, a touchscreen personal entertainment system with a USB port, a foldable tray table with a cup holder, a coat hook, a seat pocket containing the aircraft safety card and a magazine, and a small stowage space under the screen. The seats do not have personal air vents but include individual reading lights and cabin crew call buttons. Passengers are also provided with headphones, a soft pillow, and a blanket.

I chose window seat 42A for this quick hop to Hong Kong. I particularly liked the thick seatback padding on Cathay’s economy class seats. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a pillow and blanket on the seat, especially considering the flight was under two hours. Cathay Pacific prioritizes passenger comfort.

INFLIGHT MEAL

Cathay Pacific serves inflight meals on all their flights, and despite the flight being less than two hours, the airline served a hot meal on this journey. After takeoff, the cabin crew distributed the lunch meal, which had only one option—pork with steamed rice and vegetables. The meal was served on a small tray, accompanied by a bottle of water and metal cutlery.

After the meal service, the crew collected the used trays. The entire meal and clean-up process was completed within 30 minutes after the seatbelt sign was turned off. The crew did not offer a second round of drinks; instead, drinks were available on demand.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s entertainment system on the Airbus A330 offers a decent selection of movies, television shows, and music options. While the choices may not be as extensive as those available on their Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, they are sufficient for shorter flights like this one to Hong Kong. The system also features a moving inflight map that shows the flight’s exact location.

Unfortunately, I was not able to enjoy the entertainment as my system was faulty. It crashed a few times and only worked intermittently, displaying the inflight map, which was functional. Additionally, prior to landing, the cabin crew announced that connecting gate information would be displayed on the screens. However, these details were nowhere to be found.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offered paid wireless connectivity on this flight to Hong Kong. First class, business class passengers, and Diamond members receive complimentary access, while other passengers must pay to use the service. The lowest tier is priced at USD 3.95, which includes a messaging pass with 30 MB of data. An hour of access costs USD 9.95, while the full flight pass is priced at USD 12.95.

I did not bother connecting to the onboard Wi-Fi since the flight was less than two hours. The airline’s rates are in line with industry standards, but I did not feel it was worth it for short flights like this one.

LAVATORY

I did not visit the lavatory during this short flight to Hong Kong.

Cabin Crew Service

The cabin crew service on this flight was quick and efficient. The meal service felt a bit rushed, but this was completely understandable given the short duration of the flight. I also noticed the crew made several rounds to check on passengers and see if anyone needed anything.

Disembarkation

The plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 2:36 p.m. and taxied to Gate 30 for disembarkation. Passengers disembarked by section, with business class passengers exiting first, followed by the front economy class passengers, and finally, those from the rear economy class section.

I did not clear Hong Kong immigration. Instead, I walked to the transit area, cleared security, and proceeded to the departures hall for my connecting flight to Tokyo Haneda.

Flight Experience

It was another wonderful flight experience with Cathay Pacific. While not perfect, it was certainly a great one. Allow me to share both the standouts and the misses of this flight.

Let us start with the positives. First, the return fare from Manila to Tokyo Haneda via Hong Kong was both affordable and valuable. I secured the return ticket for just USD 235.20, only four weeks before the flight, and enjoyed all the amenities and perks of flying with a full-service airline. It was a win.

Second, Cathay Pacific ensured that all passengers were well-informed, from ticket inclusions and the opening of online check-in to flight boarding times and assigned gates. The airline sent multiple emails and mobile notifications with these details. Third, the schedule for CX 930 is perfect for a trip to Hong Kong. There is no need to arrive too early at the airport, and you can head straight to hotel check-in once in Hong Kong.

Fourth, Cathay Pacific’s economy class seats are comfortable, thanks to the thick seatback padding and adjustable headrests. I hope they do not remove these features in the future. Fifth, the airline served a hot meal with a bottle of water on this quick (less than two hours) hop to Hong Kong.

Lastly, Cathay Pacific has now equipped their Airbus A330 aircraft with Wi-Fi connectivity. I flew the same aircraft type back in December 2023, and there were no inflight connectivity options at that time. Kudos to Cathay Pacific for rolling this out to their A330 regional aircraft.

As mentioned earlier, this flight was not without its misses. First, the entertainment system on my assigned seat (42A) kept crashing. I ended up using it only for the inflight map instead of the usual movies or music. Second, the connecting gate information, which the crew announced would be available on the inflight screens, was nowhere to be found.

Lastly, this is not really a “miss,” but it is something I missed on this A330 aircraft: individual air nozzles. The cabin had a centralized air conditioning system, leaving the seats without individual nozzles. I prefer having my own air vent so I can adjust it and ensure continuous air circulation at my seat.

Nevertheless, it was another lovely flight with Cathay Pacific. I will always consider flying with them, especially when there are great deals like this one. I am also looking forward to trying their Airbus A350s, premium economy, and, hopefully, their business class product.

Here is a summary of this quick hop from Manila to Hong Kong onboard Cathay Pacific:

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight Date: 13 February 2025
Flight Number: CX 930
Route: Manila, Philippines (MNL) to Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (HKG)
Duration: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Seat Number: Seat 42A
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343X
Aircraft Registration: B-LAN
Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce Trent 772B-60
Age: 13-years-old
Delivered: February 2012

This concludes my recent flight experience with Cathay Pacific from Manila to Hong Kong on flight CX 930. Have you flown with Cathay Pacific before? How was your experience with the airline? Are you considering booking with them for your next trip? If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to leave a comment below or send an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Flight Report: CATHAY PACIFIC CX 901 – Hong Kong to Manila – Homebound on a Once in a Lifetime $66 World-of-Winners Hong Kong Return Ticket [December 2023]

In December, my friends and I flew to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific after being one of the lucky winners of the Hong Kong International Airport Authority World of Winners Campaign. We got free base fare return tickets with Cathay Pacific, valid for travel until December 2023.

In early 2023, the Hong Kong International Airport Authority ran a worldwide campaign to lure people back to beautiful Hong Kong. They conducted giveaways in countries all over the world and specifically gave out over 20,000 return Cathay Pacific tickets in the Philippines.

Previously, I shared with you my first ever Cathay Pacific experience from Manila to Hong Kong on board flight CX 912. I wrote a detailed report about how that memorable flight went by quickly. Today, I will share with you the details and experiences of our flight back from Hong Kong to Manila on board Cathay Pacific flight CX 901. Join me as I run you through the airline’s hard and soft products, and I will let you know why you should consider the airline on your next trip to Hong Kong.

CATHAY PACIFIC

Cathay Pacific is a 5-star full-service airline. It offers a free checked luggage allowance, premium amenities, meals and snacks, and personal entertainment systems onboard. The airline is one of the founding members of Oneworld, a major global alliance with the likes of Qatar Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. It has a loyalty program called Cathay Membership Programme, where members can gain status points (previously Marco Polo Club) and Asia Miles when flying the airline or through its non-airline partners.

AIRFARE & INCLUSIONS

As mentioned above, my friends and I got our complimentary tickets from the World of Winners campaign hosted by the Hong Kong International Airport Authority. We were rewarded with free return base fare tickets with Cathay Pacific, valid for travel until December 2023.

HKIAA sent out unique voucher codes to all winners. These codes need to be redeemed or booked within two months from the time they were sent out. My friends and I booked ours a few weeks after receiving our respective codes and paid US$66.30 worth of taxes and fees each. My bank charged me ₱3,638.99, including the 1.85% foreign transaction service fee.

The $66 return ticket included 7 kilograms of carry-on allowance, 2 x 23 kilograms of checked baggage allowance, inflight meals, inflight entertainment, and hospitable Cathay Pacific cabin crew service. The ticket was classified under the Economy Essential Fare Bundle, which included an additional 23 kilograms of checked luggage allowance (making it two) and complimentary standard seat selection in both sectors.

My friends and I were lucky to get picked for these free base fare tickets on a full-service airline like Cathay Pacific. We want to say thank you to the Hong Kong International Airport Authority for making this once-in-a lifetime chance and experience happen.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Philippine passport holders are only required to present their valid passports and the E-Travel QR code when entering the country’s borders. Non-Philippine passport holders may be required to present other requirements, such as a valid visa or onward departure ticket. These requirements vary from one nationality to the next. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities regarding the updated entry requirements.

BEFORE THE FLIGHT

A few days before the flight, Cathay Pacific sent out a reminder about the upcoming flight to Manila. The airline also sent an email reminder 48 hours before the flight that online or web check-in is now available. The airline included reminders about checked luggage, the airline mobile application, and its useful features.

4 hours into the flight, the airline sent a final flight reminder, including the boarding time, scheduled flight time, and the assigned boarding gate. Props to Cathay Pacific for keeping their passengers informed.

Aircraft & Flight Information

This Hong Kong to Manila Cathay Pacific flight CX 901 was operated by an 11-year-old Airbus A330 aircraft. The plane, delivered to the airline in December 2012, has 39 lie-flat business class sets on a 1-2-1 configuration and 223 economy class seats on a 2-4-2 layout.

Flight CX 901 flew out of Hong Kong International Airport at 9:26 a.m. and touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 11:06 a.m. The flight took 1 hour and 40 minutes in total.

GROUND & AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

Cathay Pacific operates from Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1.

CHECK-IN & BAG DROP

Cathay Pacific check-in counters are at the far-left end of the terminal at Counters A, B, and C. Counter check-in is available for those who want to check-in with Cathay Pacific staff. Self-check-in kiosks and automated bag drop counters are also available in these check-in areas.

During our time, the counter check-in had long and slow-moving lines. My friends and I used the self-check-in kiosks to check-in for our flight and to print our boarding passes and luggage tags. After checking in, we headed to the automated bag drop-off counters to leave our bags. We finished this whole process in less than 10 minutes.

PRE-DEPARTURE

We cleared security and immigration immediately after check-in and walked towards our assigned gate, Gate 12, in the main terminal building. We also had a quick morning snack from a fast-food chain while we waited for boarding.

BOARDING

Priority boarding commenced at 8:28 a.m. Business class passengers, Cathay Pacific Programme, and Oneworld Alliance status holders were asked to board the plane first. Passengers traveling with small children, persons with disabilities, and seniors boarded the plane next. All other economy class passengers boarded the plane by group or zone.

The boarding process finished at 9:00 a.m. The cabin crew closed the aircraft doors and waited for departure. The plane was pushed ashore at 9:09 a.m. and headed over to the runway for a 9:26 a.m. take-off.

INFLIGHT HARD & SOFT PRODUCT

SEAT FEATURES

This Cathay Pacific Hong Kong to Manila flight was operated using one of the airline’s Airbus A330-300s with the regional two-class configuration. The plane has 39 lie-flat business class seats on a 1-2-1 layout and 223 regular economy class seats on a 2-4-2 layout.

According to our friends at SeatMaps, each business class seat has a seat pitch of 47 inches, a seat width of 21 inches, and a recline of 180 degrees. The seats feature spacious legroom with decent storage spaces and large entertainment screens. The business class section has 10 rows of lie-flat seats with direct aisle access.

The middle and rear sections of the aircraft have 223 standard economy seats on a 2-4-2 layout. Each economy class seat has a seat pitch of 32 inches, a seat width of 18 inches, and a recline of 3.5 inches. Each seat has a personal entertainment screen, a foldable tray table, a coat hook, a USB charging port, a power outlet under the seats, and a small under-screen stowage space. Each thick-padded seat also features an adjustable headrest and a seatback pocket with an aircraft safety card, magazine, duty-free pamphlets, and headphones. The seats do not feature individual air vents and pillows. Blankets are available upon request.

I got aisle seat 65H on this quick flight back to Manila. I find the airline’s thick-padded seats comfortable for a short haul flight. However, I do miss the individual air vents, which I can open or close whenever I want.

INFLIGHT BREAKFAST SERVICE

Cathay Pacific served a complimentary breakfast service on this flight to Manila. The airline only had one option for this flight: congee and stir-fry noodles with a bottle of water.

The cabin crew started serving breakfast as soon as the plane reached its cruising altitude. The crew finished serving the meals within 30 minutes after takeoff. They also went around for a second round of drink service and offered coffee or tea to those who wanted it.

This breakfast meal was alright. It was not as tasty or savory as the meal served on our Manila to Hong Kong flight. I still appreciate Cathay Pacific serving a complimentary meal service on this short flight to Manila.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Cathay Pacific’s entertainment system on the Airbus A330 offered a decent number of movies, television shows, and music options. The choices may not be as extensive as those in their Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, but these are enough for short flights like this to Hong Kong. The entertainment system also features a moving inflight map that shows the flight’s exact whereabouts.

I did not watch any movies or television shows during this flight. Instead, I stared at the inflight map and geeked out the aviation enthusiast in me.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Cathay Pacific offers paid inflight wi-fi connectivity on selected flights. The cost can go as high as $12.95 for full-flight access on a short-haul flight. The airline offered a 1-hour pass for $9.95 and a full-flight pass for $12.95 on this flight from Hong Kong to Manila.

Unfortunately, I did not avail of this paid service. I find the flight too short to miss checking things out on the internet.

LAVATORY

This Airbus A330 aircraft has five lavatories shared by all 223 economy class passengers. These lavatories are found in the middle part of the aircraft. The lavatories on this aircraft were clean, fragrant, and spotless. It also had extra amenities like a bottle of hand soap and a bottle of antiseptic hand gel, which can be used by all passengers.

CABIN CREW ENCOUNTERS

Just like the Manila to Hong Kong flight, I had very minimal encounters with the cabin crew. I saw them doing the usual things like welcoming the passengers to the flight, saying goodbye during disembarkation, asking what drinks the passengers wanted during the meal service, and offering tea and coffee during the second drink service.

DISEMBARKATION & LUGGAGE CLAIM

The aircraft arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11:06 a.m. My friends and I went through disembarkation, immigration, baggage claim, and customs in about 30 minutes after landing.

Flight Experience

It was a fun and memorable once-in-a-lifetime $66 return flight with Cathay Pacific. I honestly do not think this promotion will happen again in the next decade or so.

Like in any other flight report, allow me to share with you what I liked about this flight. First, the free base fare ticket wins in every angle. My friends and I only paid $66 (around ₱3,600) in return for the airport taxes and fees. We paid this cheap for a full-service 5-star airline with baggage, inflight meals, and inflight entertainment. What a steal!

Second, Cathay Pacific made sure that all their passengers were informed of everything about the flight. The airline sent out numerous reminders about the online check-in, airport check-in process, flight requirements, and even the assigned boarding gate information. Third, the airline has a quick and efficient self-check-in process at Hong Kong International Airport. My friends and I finished our self-check-in and bag drop process in less than 10 minutes.

Third, Cathay Pacific still has a 2-4-2 seating configuration on its Airbus A330 aircraft. The said configuration offers more spacious seats compared to the current industry standard of 3-3-3. Also, the seats feature thick back padding, which makes them more comfortable to sit on.

Lastly, the airline served a complimentary hot meal on this short flight from Hong Kong to Manila. The meal may be a little bit bland to my taste, but at least it is available for passengers who want to have breakfast onboard.

One thing that I did not like about this flight was the absence of individual air vents in the aircraft. I sweat a lot, especially when the cabin temperature is on the hot side. I hope Cathay Pacific brings them back in their new or retrofitted aircraft.

This CX 901 Hong Kong to Manila flight is very much like our CX 912 Manila to Hong Kong flight we took earlier. I like that Cathay Pacific is consistent with their hard and soft products on this Manila-Hong Kong-Manila route.

I enjoyed my first flights with Cathay Pacific. I will consider flying them again in the future; I want to try their Airbus A321neo and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. I hope you also enjoyed my narration of this once-in-a-lifetime flight experience with Cathay Pacific. Again, I want to thank the Hong Kong International Authority for running the World of Winners campaign and for making this opportunity happen.

Curious about the specific details of this flight? Check out the geeky information below:

Airline: Cathay Pacific Airways
Flight Date: 12 December 2023
Flight Number: CX 901
Route: Hong Kong, SAR (HKG) to Manila, Philippines (MNL)
Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Seat Number: 65H (aisle)
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343X
Aircraft Registration: B-LAX
Engines: 2 x RR Trent 772B-60
Age: 11 years old
Delivered: December 2012

Have you flown Cathay Pacific recently? How was your experience? Will you fly them again soon? By any chance have questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to share your ground and flight experiences or post your questions in the comments section below. You may also send them via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thank you for joining me in today’s flight report. I hope you can check out my previous flight reports with Singapore Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Air France, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Philippine Airlines. I hope you also look forward to more flight reports in the future.

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PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.